However, Provo's crews have decided to draw the line at political races this year. Their union has endorsed Municipal Councilman Steve Turley over retired Fire Chief Coy D. Porter for citywide District II.

"During his four years on the council, Steve has been a tireless advocate for Provo's public safety. His continued leadership on behalf of Provo Fire and Rescue, as well as its citizens, gives us optimism that our best days lie ahead," the group - Provo Firefighters Local 593 - said in an e-mail.

The statement did describe both Turley and Porter as "fine gentlemen" both of whom firefighters knew.

The endorsements were based on the candidates' responses from a questionnaire given to all council contenders. Jeremy Millett, Local 593's president, said an "overwhelming majority" voted for Turley. Other firefighter endorsements among the eight candidates for four seats could come before the Nov. 6 election.

Porter said the endorsement was no surprise. He dismissed it as part of the friction between labor and management.

But Turley was surprised, he said, despite winning union support during his first council run four years ago. He thought this time the firefighters would choose Porter, who had been with the department 30 years prior to his retirement.

"They felt I did a better job on the council than one of their own," Turley said.

The union has a long history over the years of voicing support for council candidates.

In addition to endorsing Turley in 2003, the union also endorsed Councilwoman Midge Johnson, as well as fire Capt. Dave Bailey in the 2001 and 2005 mayoral races against Mayor Lewis K. Billings.

During the 2005 race, Porter and two former chiefs were featured in a mailing from the Billings campaign, calling Bailey's ability to run the city into question and accusing him of lacking leadership abilities as a firefighter.

Porter said his endorsement of Billings two years ago likely was a factor in his not being endorsed for the council this year.

The reason? He said that as chief, he had to make decisions that firefighters found unpopular.

For example, he stopped allowing firefighters to bank excess hours for vacation time - a decision Porter said was made to comply with labor laws requiring quick use of compensatory time.

"They maintain that Mr. Turley was a strong supporter [of the department], but he doesn't have to manage the budget," Porter said.

dmeyers@sltrib.com